Government acquisition can happen without warning, leaving property owners with little or no compensation. Many property buyers in Nigeria face this fear when investing in real estate. This situation has affected thousands of landowners across the country.

In this article, you’ll find out how to check if a land is under government acquisition and protect your property investment in Nigeria.

What is Government Acquisition?

Government acquisition happens when the federal or state government takes private land for public use. The Land Use Act, 1978 gives Nigerian governments the veto-power to acquire any land within their territory.

This means your land can be taken if the government decides they need it for public purposes. The government can and may acquire any land they believe is needed for public projects. Though, in some cases this is compensated for

Common reasons for government acquisition include:

  • Road and highway projects

  • Building of public schools and hospitals

  • Development of government housing projects

  • Building military facilities

  • Construction of airports and railways

Signs That Land May Be Under Government Acquisition

Here are key warning signs that a property might be under government acquisition:

1. Official Notices: The government would usually publish acquisition notices in newspapers and post them in affected areas. These notices announce their intention to acquire specific lands.

2. Survey Activities: If you see government surveyors measuring and marking land boundaries, this could signal upcoming acquisition. Government surveyors often work in teams and use official vehicles.

3. Demolition Orders: Sometimes, the first sign of acquisition is a demolition notice. This means the government has already decided to take the land.

How to Check if Land is Under Government Acquisition

To verify if a property is free from Government acquisition, follow these steps:

Step 1: Visit the State Ministry of Lands Go to the Ministry of Lands and Housing, where the land is located. Ask for information about any planned acquisitions in your area of interest.

Step 2: Check Local Government Offices Local government areas often have advance knowledge of acquisition plans. Visit the local government secretariat in your target location.

Step 3: Review Government Gazettes Government gazettes are official publications that announce new policies and decisions. Check recent gazettes to find out about acquisitions.

Step 4: Search Online Databases Some states now publish acquisition information on their official websites. Check your state government’s website for land acquisition updates.

Step 5: Consult Community Leaders Traditional rulers and community leaders usually know about government plans for their areas. Speak with them before making any purchase.

Documents to Request Before Buying Land

Before buying any land in Nigeria, request these important documents so you can be on the safe side:

Certificate of Occupancy (C of O): This is the most important land document in Nigeria. It proves the government recognizes your right to use the land. Always verify the C of O with the issuing authority.

Survey Plan A proper survey plan shows the exact location and boundaries of the land. Make sure the survey is recent and properly done by a licensed surveyor.

Deed of Assignment This document transfers ownership from the seller to you. Ensure it is properly executed and registered.

Tax Clearance Certificate This shows that all property taxes have been paid. Outstanding taxes can cause legal problems later.

Red Flags to Watch Out For

Be careful of these warning signs when buying land:

Unusually Low Prices If land is selling for much less than similar properties nearby, investigate why. It might be under acquisition or have other legal problems.

Pressure to Buy Quickly Sellers who push you to complete transactions urgently may be hiding something. Take your time to do proper checks.

Missing Documents Never buy land without seeing all the required documents. If the seller cannot provide proper papers, walk away.

Conflicting Information If different sources give you different information about the same land, be very careful. This often indicates legal problems.

What Happens During Government Acquisition

Understanding the acquisition process helps you know what to expect:

Stage 1: The government identifies lands they want to acquire and conducts initial surveys.

Stage 2: Official notices are published announcing the government’s intention to acquire specific lands.

Stage 3: Landowners have a limited time to object to the acquisition. This is usually 21 to 30 days from the notice date.

Stage 4: If no valid objections are raised, the government proceeds with the acquisition and pays compensation.

How to Protect Yourself from Government Acquisition

While you cannot completely prevent government acquisition, these steps reduce your risk:

Buy in Established Areas: Well-developed areas are less likely to face acquisition than new or undeveloped areas.

Choose Areas Away from Government Projects: Avoid lands close to government projects like airports, highways, e.t.c.

Get Proper Insurance Some insurance companies now offer policies that cover government acquisition. This can provide financial protection.

Keep All Documents Safe Maintain copies of all your land documents. You will need them if acquisition occurs and you want to claim compensation.

What to Do If Your Land is Acquired

If the government acquires your land, follow these steps:

Don’t Panic Government acquisition is legal under Nigerian law. You have rights and options available.

Gather Your Documents Collect all papers proving your ownership and any improvements you made to the land.

Calculate Your Losses List all money you spent on the land, including purchase price, legal fees, and development costs.

File for Compensation Submit your compensation claim to the appropriate government agency within the specified time limit.

Get Legal Help Consider hiring a lawyer who specializes in land acquisition cases. They can help you get fair compensation.

Conclusion:

Acquisition can happen without warning, leaving property owners with little or no compensation. You have to go through due diligence as we have discussed to protect yourself and your money.

Are you ready to start your real estate investment journey in Nigeria? Which of these strategies resonates most with your financial goals and resources? You can as well reach out to GLE Properties and/or Timothy Moyofola on our properties and how to key on time before it’s too late.